These Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make! Just toss some chicken, spices, and salsa in your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
In no time, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken ready to fill your favorite taco shells. I love adding fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. It’s a fun way to eat healthy! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You can also use thighs for a juicier option or even swap chicken for turkey for a leaner dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Salsa: I recommend low-sodium salsa to keep it healthy. If you can’t find any, homemade salsa is easy to whip up using tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. You could even use a can of diced tomatoes with peppers if fresh salsa isn’t available.
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged taco seasoning is convenient, but making your own allows you to adjust spices to your taste. If you’re low on spices, a blend of cumin and chili powder goes a long way!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but whole wheat adds more fiber. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas made from corn or chickpeas.
How Can I Make Shredding Chicken Easier?
Shredding chicken can feel a bit tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once your chicken is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. It should shred easily if it’s cooked well.
- Mix it back into the crockpot with the cooking juices; this keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding—just be sure to do it carefully!
Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (preferably low-sodium or homemade)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or use homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 8 small corn or whole wheat tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, light shredded cheese, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe does most of the work for you! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything, and then let your crockpot work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about cutting or cooking them beforehand—just let the slow cooker do its job!
2. Add the Seasoning:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. This will infuse great flavor as it cooks!
3. Mix in Salsa:
Pour the salsa over the chicken and sprinkle in the chopped onion if you’d like to add some extra flavor. It’s quick and easy!
4. Cook it Up:
Cover the crockpot, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Yum!
6. Mix with Juices:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it around to soak up all those delicious juices. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful!
7. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is soaking up the goodness, warm up your tortillas according to the package instructions. This makes them soft and pliable for filling.
8. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the seasoned chicken mixture onto it. Then, go crazy with your favorite toppings—diced avocado, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro add a fresh touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy your healthy and easy crockpot chicken tacos!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time to about 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. When ready to cook, just add it to the crockpot as per the instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!
What Are Some Good Topping Ideas?
The possibilities are endless! Besides avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes, you can try diced red onion, jalapeños, or pickled onions for some tang. A dollop of Greek yogurt can also be a healthy substitute for sour cream!
